The Knicks return to the Garden to host the Detroit Pistons today at 1pm. They are coming off their first real back-to-back performances of the season and look to snap their modest 2-game losing streak. We’re looking for:

Pace Setting- The Pistons aren’t a great offensive or defensive team and are below average in tempo, yet I’d expect them to try and play at a faster speed today. The Knicks need to manage the shot clock better and move the ball later into the shot clock in order to keep the game at the pace they are most comfortable.

Stop Dribble Drives– Stuckey and Knight are athletic enough to get to the paint on the Knicks guards so the Knicks need to force the Pistons to pass out of drives earlier. Harden got to the rim at will the other night. For the Knicks to win they need to cut off dribble drives from Detroit guards.

Consistent Second Scorer- This is an idea that can often get misconstrued. Consistent second scorers are players who make the most plays and the most of their opportunities. When Melo kicks the ball out, who are the players who benefit the most? The Knicks also have to focus more on Felton/Chandler pick and roll opportunities to get the big guy easy looks.

Chandler’s Defense- The Knicks will face another big 4/5 in Monroe and Drummond and they have to clean up rebounds. Chandler has to own the interior, something he simply hasn’t done consistently enough this season.